Whether you are looking for a quick snack, a fruit to garnish a dessert plate, or a fruit to add to a bowl of whole grain cereal, you will never go wrong with strawberries. We all know that strawberries are delicious but there is more to a strawberry than meets the eye. They contain an array of vitamins beginning with the mighty vitamin C.
Along with vitamin C, strawberries are rich in assortment of other vitamins and minerals such as potassium, manganese, folic acid, riboflavin, vitamin K, copper, magnesium, vitamin B5, vitamin B6 and omega-3 fatty acids. As you can see by this list they are truly one of nature’s wonder foods.
The United States Department of Agriculture has revised its Food Pyramid in recent years. Previously the USDA recommended five to six servings of fresh fruits per day. Now fruit is measured in cups based on individuals who have moderate to low activity. The fruit group recommended daily intake is anywhere from 1 cup for toddlers all the way up to 2 cups for adult men. They further state that 4 to 6 medium fresh strawberries constitute a half cup serving. Now we know how much to eat, but what do they really do for us?
The USDA further states that eating strawberries along with other fresh fruits and vegetables promotes a healthy cardiovascular system along with providing nutrients to nourish vital organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys. Strawberries help maintain a healthy colon because they are high in fiber. Strawberries are also known to help the body eliminate disease causing free radicals. With so many great benefits what more can be said? Oh yeah, they taste good too!